VISCA FC BARCELONA!

FC Barcelona clinched their fourth Spanish la Liga title in five years and have been crowned Spanish champions for the 22^nd time on Saturday night after rivals and defending champions Real Madrid CF were held to a 1-1 draw at RCD Espanyol. FC Barcelona was mathematically already the champion of the Spanish la Liga, but Barça still managed to win on Sunday night against Atletico Madrid in Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid. Even tough, FC Barcelona fell behind to Falcao’s 28^th goal of the season, the Catalan club were not to be denied. Alexis Sanchez struck the equalizer on 72 minutes and the comeback was complete eight minutes later when Atletico Madrid player Gabi turned the ball past his own goalkeeper. By winning la Liga, FC Barcelona continue to be the dominant force in the 21^st century. Since the year 2000, FC Barcelona have won six league titles, followed by Real Madrid (5), Valencia (2) and Deportivo la Coruna (1).

INTERESTING STATS AND THE SEASON:

In the 2008/09 season, with former FC Barcelona coach/player  Pep Guardiola and Tito VIlanova on the bench, FC Barcelona won the league with 87 points (27 victories, 6 draws and 5 defeats). The following year, FC Barcelona won the la Liga with 99 points (31 victories, 6 draws and 1 defeat). In the 2010/11 season, Barça claimed their third consecutive la Liga title with 96 points (30 victories, 6 draws and 2 defeats). With 3 matches left on the schedule this year, FC Barcelona has already collected 91 points (29 victories, 4 draws and 2 defeats) and if they win the rest of their games, they will equal the best ever point haul in La Liga. In addition, they’ve scored 107 goals, a record breaking tally for any team with three games left to play this season. This is also the first time in club history that FC Barcelona have won la Liga after losing the year before, where they won consecutive league title before. On three occasions FC Barcelona had to wait at least two years before they managed to regain la Liga crown (from 1944/45 to 1947/48, from 1948/49 to 1951/52, and from 2005/06 to 2008/09.

Just like in the past seasons, Barça broke records that seemed to be out of reach. The most notable of which was the team’s sensational first half of the season, when they won 55 of 57 possible points. It was the best ever start to a league campaign in Spanish la Liga history, and it saw the Blaugrana 10 points clear at the top in December. Furthermore, Leo Messi has netted 46 goals and he’s the front runner to win the Pichichi award. Last year he scored 50 goals. This is FC Barcelona’s era, an era marked by a unique style of play. Long live the champions!

However, this isn’t just another la Liga title, the Club’s 22nd Liga holds special meaning. The team had to overcome extremely difficult setbacks. The illnesses of Tito Vilanova and Éric Abidal left the team without a head manager and one of the best defenders on the roster for part of the season. The players and coaching staff, led by Roura and Altimira, met the challenge with hard work and an unflinching commitment to the Club. Not to mention the biggest setback of the season is the injury of FC Barcelona Football star Lionel Messi, who could not perform for his team for weeks because of an hamstring injury, from which he is still suffering. Each and every one of them had to step up to secure the league title, a league that was always under FC Barcelona control, from the first to the last week of the competition.

Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez, Alex Song and Jordi Alba, who were brought into the Club over the past two seasons, have won their first La Liga title

Marc Bartra, Martin Montoya, Jonathan Dos Santos and Cristian Tello, all of whom played for Barça B last season, also won their first La Liga crown. Here’s a look at each one individually:

TO THE NEXT SEASON!

Winning the Spanish la Liga weeks before the competition ending reflects the fact that Barça followers regard success in La Liga as only half-fulfilling their demands. In addition to domestic success, fans also expect their team to win – or at least come close to winning – the Champions League. However, the brutally demolishment of 7-0 against Bayern Munich prompted a debate that will continue well into the summer months. Many people believe the team needs new transfers  for the new season and even called  for coach Vilanova to be sacked. Although that view was held by just the minority of the fans.

A new central defender  is a priority for the summer as Barça defenders suffered serious injuries this season. Barça came close to signing Thiago Silva before he opted to join Paris St-Germain last year, and the Brazilian could come back into the frame, while Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Roma’s impressive teenager Marquinhos are also being touted as potential recruits.

One enforced change could come in the goalkeeping department, where Victor Valdes has rejected a new contract and may therefore be sold this summer while he’s still valuable, rather than being allowed to leave for nothing when his contract expires at the end of next season. Manchester United’s David De Gea, Liverpool’s Pepe Reina and Valencia’s Vicente Guiata are among the candidates to replace him.

David Villa is another potential departee. Despite speculation to the contrary from the British media, the Catalan club always insisted the striker would not be allowed to join Arsenal – or anyone else – during the January transfer window. They have, however, been notably less eager to state that Villa will be at Barcelona next season. In his place, Brazilian star Neymar is a red-hot tip to arrive in Catalonia.  The flamboyant winger has been a long-term target for FC Barcelona, who have openly admitted they are interested in securing his services from Santos.

The fans are already excited with the upcoming summer arrivals, such as the Brazilian football talent Neymar, a central defender and a goalkeeper. But that could well be it for FC Barcelona.

What do you think of the potential new arrivals of FC Barcelona? Give us your thoughts about who you think Barça should sign this summer.

- Alper

Here is a short cartoon video of our champion players!

Barcelona Gay Gyms

Yes, that’s right.

It’s probably the most anticipated topic in our series ‘From Behind the Rear.’ The title gives away this week’s topic; Gay Gyms in Barcelona and while we all know about the benefits of exercise, we are not discussing these here. Let’s be honest even if it’s just for one second; if you’re gay and living in Barcelona – whether as a short term or long term visitor – you would most likely want to impress the hot Spanish men. One way to do this is to head to the Gym – and not just any Gym but a Gay one.

We all know that one of the most important places for gay men is undoubtedly the gym.  Not only is working out an essential part of an active lifestyle, but it also keeps you looking good, helps alleviate stress, and can keep your libido up. There are a number of gyms that cater to gay men out there, making them great places to pick up guys. So get those short-shorts and tank tops ready and head out to keep those glutes in shape!

Axel Wellness Club 33

Who wouldn't want to see this guy working out?

A personal refuge and a place where you can experiment with new sensation of pleasure and relaxation is at the Axel Wellness Club 33, this gym is the new facility brought to you by Axel Hotel Barcelona. Here you can leave all the stress and worry behind you and dedicate well-deserved time to yourself. You will have the enjoyment of new and modern equipment that’ll get you into fabulous shape. It will be an experience that you would never forget.

DiR Eixample Gym

DiR Fitness Center has ten gyms in total spread throughout Barcelona. Their facilities are very complete and they have all sorts of extra services ranging from medicals, personal trainers, sun beds and more. They also have pools and a very wide range of classes including aerobics, fitness, toning and much more. Definitely the trendiest choice and not the cheapest, but you get a free backpack!

If you want to try any of the ten gyms across Barcelona and Sant Cugat, a Q10 membership is available which allows you to do this. If you decide to join then a monthly fee (depending on the time of day and the gym you chose to go to) ranges from €0 to €3, 15 per visit.

Thermas Gym

Boxing workout can be sooo fun!

Thermas offers all the amenities of a quality European bathhouse; pool, gym, spa, hot tub, and like-minded men of course. In this gym, you will find nothing less than good-looking, sexy guys from Europe, the Middle East, and South Americans. There are many cabins, large porn cinema, also a small bar with snacks and drinks. This is a must visit only if you don’t mind rent boys and if you don’t, you’ll have your pick of Good looking boys. In general this is a very nice facility.

Saunas

Notable Mentions

Two gyms that you must not forget about are Holmes Place and Metropolitan. Neither is a strictly ‘gay’ gym, but both are swarming with hot gay guys! Also they are pricey, but they both have multiple locations throughout the city and amazing facilities.

 

Conclusion

Lock me up in a gyms' locker room!

The two most popular gay gyms  in Barcelona can be found on Carrer Casanova 57, which many say is the city’s best equipped, and on Carrer Espolsasacs 1- though the line between workout facility and bathhouse is a little thin, with Casanova now a full-on bathhouse with gym facilities.

Barcelona offers those with a hangover every chance to eliminate toxins by flexing other muscles besides the elbow. Options abound from swimming and sailing to marathon running. For those whose feelings of guilt over the excesses of the previous night don’t translate to physical exertions, the city’s football and basketball teams provide class—A excitement when they play at home. Or indulge in a massage, day spa or a sport of floating.

The folks of Barcelona are as health-conscious as those of any other city and the number of places to indulge in a little ‘wellness’ of one sort or another is multiplying.

Do you have any suggestions to add? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!

~Argenis

The Leo Messi Museum in Barcelona

We have a new museum in Barcelona! Well actually one cannot call it a real museum, but two weeks ago, the adidas store in the center of Barcelona opened an exposition dedicated to the Argentinian star football player Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona called ‘’Museo adidas & Messi’’. Lionel Messi himself joined the opening of the new museum answering questions at the press conference.

What is the Messi Museum Exactly?

The Messi museum is actually an adidas store which has everything of Messi. You have something for anyone, both for the football boot nerds, the Messi fans and just football fans in general. You can buy the newest collection of Messi shirts, Messi boots and many more items of our beloved football player. You’ll also get the chance to see many of his historical football boots and the awards he has received, such as 4 Golden ball awards for being the best football player in the world 4 times in a row. Furthermore, fans can see  different photos and videos of the best moments of his career.

Where is it located?

The Messi museum is located in the center of Barcelona on the main shopping street Passeig de Gracia 21, and its doors are still open for the ones who like to see awards of the best football player of the world with your own eyes. The exposition should last for another week, after that the trophies will return to his home in Argentina. This is a once in a life time opportunity, so hurry up and visit the Messi museum while you still can.

- Alper

Formula 1 in Spain, a great chance to see Barcelona!

Gran Premio de Espana 2013: Catalunya is warming up for this unmissable event and great chance to spend a holiday in Barcelona. We really recommend you experience Formula 1 in Spain, this race is one of the most loved in the racing world, and takes place every year in May, an ideal month for a taste of Mediterranean Life.

If you like fast cars, adrenalin and vida loca, there is not a better event than this. Guaranteed.

Just 6 things. That’s what you really need to know to organize a perfect F1 weekend in Barcelona! Check out our Super Fast Guide. it won’t take more than one minute.

1 When

Gran Premio de Espana 2013 will take place on Sunday 10, 11 and 12 May 2013.

2 Where

How to get to Circuit de Catalunya: Circuit de Catalunya is located in Mas la Morenta, close to Montmeló, 20 km far from Barcelona, direction north-east.

• By car (30 min.) through the C-17 road  (exit Montmeló), or the AP-7 highway (exit 13, 14 or 15).
• By train (25min.) with the R2 Line, from Barcelona Sants, Barcelona Paisseg de Gracia or Barcelona El Clot-Arago. Aprox 25 min. Stop at the Montmeló train station.

3 How to get tickets

There are different ticket categories. Prices start from 132 € (Weekend general admission pass) and raise up to 3.589 € (Paddock Club Pass)!

Book your tickets on the Gran Premio de Espana 2013 official web page.

4 Accomodation

Renting a flat is the best choice, here in Barcelona. We’ve got the best solutions for your stay, especially if you are with a group! Just take one minute to check our Short Term Flats and feel free to contact us if you want further infos.

5 Where to eat

While here, you cannot miss the Spanish specialties! There are at least 5 Top Foods to try, but we can also help you if  you want something else.  Sushi?  Hamburger? Just ask! Barcelona’s menu is endless. Explore our blog section Eating in Barcelona and make your choice!

6 What to do

Even if you are going to spend most of your time at the Gran Premio de Espana 2013 , it’s not impossible to see at least the most important things of Barcelona. Take inspiration from our Barcelona in 2 Days Guide.

We really hope you can live such a once-in-lifetime experience! Have you ever had the pleasure of watching live Formula 1 in Spain? Share with us your experience!

- Elio

SUITELIFE PRESENTS:  BARCELONA MARATHON 2013

It’s time to introduce the Barcelona Marathon 2013, the 35th edition of one of the most suggestive marathons in Europe, a totally urban itinerary and ideal way to discover this lively city.

On Sunday March 17th thousands of runners will crowd the streets, starting and ending at Placa de Espana, below the green hills of Montjuic, and covering the classic distance of 42.195 km through Camp Nou, Placa Catalunya, Gaudi’s modernist creations  and the most beautiful streets. A marathon in Barcelona is an unmissable event!

Started in 1978, with the name of Catalunya Marathon, Barcelona Marathon has seen a phenomenal and constant increase of popularity: only 6 years ago, in 2006, the number of registered attendees was 4.425. Last edition was 15.134!

The 2012  winners were Julius Chepkwony (men’s category), crossing the finishing line in 2h11’14″, and Emily Samoei (women’s category), in 2h26’52″. Both of the winners were from Kenya!

Not just a race, the Barcelona Marathon 2013 brings interesting events dedicated to the runners world, especially the Marathon EXPO, one of the largest trade fairs in Spain, involving the most important sport companies.

If you come for the marathon, discover what else you can do in Barcelona in Two Days! And if you’re looking for accomodation, you can take a look to our Short Term Flats.

The maximum time limit to finish the race is 6 hours, so unfortunately us out-of-shape SuiteLifer’s won’t be able to participate this year! Are you planning on running in or watching the Barcelona Marathon? Let us know!

~ Elio

How Popular is Basketball in Barcelona?

Basketball in Barcelona has hugely increased in popularity in the last few years and is one of the main sports in Barcelona. We all know that football is like a religion for this city, but you can say that basketball in Barcelona is the second most popular sport after football. The city has hosted many major international tournaments such as the Olympic games of 1992, which most of us remember as THE year of the USA national basketball team also known as ”the Dream Team”. Basketball became a beloved sport in Barcelona after the Olympics, and a few years later, the Barcelona basketball team won the Euroleague twice, which is the biggest basketball competition in Europe.

How About Just Basketball for You and Me?

There is an opportunity for you to play basketball in Barcelona by entering the so called ‘’Streetball League Barcelona’’ where you can compete 3 on 3 on indoor courts against other teams all year round. They do not require from you to be a greatly skilled basketball player, but to show your love and passion to play this sport in Barcelona. The organization consists of 40 different teams of different levels which can suit you. For people who believe in themselves and who would like to show their skills, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Furthermore, this is a great chance to socialize with your fellow basketball lovers and to get into shape by playing basketball in Barcelona every week.

How Do You Apply for the Streetball League?

Well basketball fans, you can prove yourself in this awesome sport by signing up for the ‘’Streetball League Barcelona’’  . All you have to do is to create your own team of 3 to 5 players players and sign up online to register for the competition. After that, you will receive a schedule and you will be put in to a competition based on your level of basketball skills.  They play outdoors in summer and good weather. How awesome is that!? Checkout the website for more information! And enjoy basketball in Barcelona.

- Alper

MOTOCROSS HITS BARCELONA! SPORTS EVENTS UPDATE: NIGHT OF THE JUMPS!

The most famous Free Style Motocross Event in the world comes to Barcelona this September! It’s the NIGHT OF THE JUMPS! If you’re one of those people who love extreme sports but are not brave enough to face it yourself, it’s perfect for you!  I bet that only by seeing the pictures, you can already fell a bit of the breath-taking sensation that the riders experience before every jump!

Since 2001, the Night Of The Jumps has brought together the most crazy riders from all over the world to this extreme competition that every month is held in a different country. Each country represents one round of the championship, and now, after a summer break, it’s back for the second-half of the season! Its first stop is China, and the second: our beautiful Barcelona!

September 22th, at La Monumental, the riders will compete in 3 different events: Free Style Motocross, Best Whip contest and Highest Air contest. From all these you can expect spectacular and fun tricks mixed with loud music that will be highly entertaining! But it’ll also thrill and excite you, you might get pretty impressed by the competitor’s near death experiences! It means that every jump is an explosion of feelings from the crowd, everyone shouting and cheering for a perfect jump!

Already excited and can’t wait?! That’s is the point! Now, some practical info about the event!

Buying tickets is easy! Just click here. It will cost 59 euros for the whole event that lasts around 5 hours, from the opening till the trophies ceremony.

Getting there is a piece of cake – hop off at La Monumental (L2 – Purple Line) metro station and there you are! If you prefer, you can catch any bus that goes through the Gran Via or Diagonal! Just in case, the address is Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 749!

What else you might need to know?

Can you meet the crazy jumpers? Yes! Just get there a bit early and join the pit party at the paddock (place where they warm up). Or after, at the autograph session!

Can you buy food inside? Yes! Snacks and drinks are available. And no, you cannot bring your own food. =\

Is there a party after all? Surely! Stay tuned on their website or Facebook page.

That’s it! We will surely be there! And you? Up to a unusual night?

Wait! …Want more? Check this video from this year Torino’s round:

Cheers!

Jack!

FC BARCELONA VS REAL MADRID – EL CLASICO TONIGHT

UPDATE: SUPERCOPA DE ESPANA 2012

Finally, the day has arrived for FC Barcelona fans, tonight is the night of El Clasico at Nou Camp! The match is the first leg of the SUPERCUP OF SPAIN and is also important for the blaugrana fans as its their first El Clasico since Guardiola left.

The SUPERCUP is annually played by the last season winners of the La Liga and the Copa Del Rey. Real Madrid, as La Liga winners, are trying to convince the world that they can be better than the Catalan club. And FC Barcelona, as Copa del Rey winners, will start tonight, their struggle to win back the title of Spain and Europe’s best team.

This year the match is surrounded by great expectation because Tito Villanova, the former assistant of Guardiola, has his first chance to prove that can keep the quality of the football in EL CLASICO and beat Mourinho. The rivalry between the tw0 coaches already has some tension building up. In 2011′s Supercopa de Espana, Mourinho exposed his anger by poking Villanova in the eye in the middle of some melee after the match. After the situation, when asked about it, Mourinho ironically answered “Villanova who?”, meaning that the his second, by that time wasn’t important.

Obviously, El Clasico is always a very popular and highly attended match, between the very old rivals FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Tons of people squeeze into all the bars in Barcelona to watch this very important game of La Liga. In my opinion, if I was a Real Madrid fan, I would not wear my football shirt among the FC Barcelona fans tonight!

By the way, where are you going to watch the match? Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy the experience of watching the game at Nou Camp. But do not despair – there are literally thousands of amazing bars around Barcelona where you can watch El Classico with a bunch of crazy fans!
Basically ANY bar around Barcelona will run the game tonight so it all comes down to the kind of crowd you want to be surrounded by. As we said before, we bet many of you would like to find a place to watch El Classico in an environment slightly different than a normal sportsbar full of tourists. For the seekers of a truly Catalan experience, some good advice might be to check out the streets of the barrios out of the city center. We bet it won’t be long before you find a cozy bar full of passionate local supporters!

Our personal favourite local place is Can Eusebio in Poble Sec (Carrer de Vila i Vila 84 on the map below)  just a 10 minutes walk from Las Ramblas. They’ve got 2 screens and…amazing tapas! It’s usually full of locals and if you want to enjoy a true Catalan experience for El Clasico – don’t hesitate to go there. Just keep in mind that in order to get good seats you need to be there earlier.

Here are some of the famous sports bars in Barcelona. The downside of some of them is that very often you won’t find many local people if that’s what you are looking for.

• Sonora Sport Tavern
• Flaherty’s Irish Pub
• Sports Bar Barcelona
• The Queen Vic
• McCarthy’s Irish Bar Barcelona
• 7 Sins
• L’Ovella Negra
• Ryans Pub

https://maps.google.es/maps/ms?msid=205319940234794572501.0004c7eb9c1485f893b04&msa=0&ll=41.389688,2.176666&spn=0.032518,0.084543

So who do you think will win? Do you believe that Villanova will “poke” back Mourinho with a stunning victory or that the experienced coach will manage to stop Messi and friends?

We already wear our Blaugrana jerseys waiting for the moment to meet at some bar! Hope to see you there!

Jack and Ivo

Euro 2012 Coverage: Getting You Caught Up in the Action of the Quarter-Finals

The Euro 2012 football tournament has been all the talk around Barcelona for the past few weeks. And why wouldn’t it be? Current European and World Champions, Spain, are already on their way into the quarter-finals. But does Spain have what it takes to win its third-consecutive major title?

What’s Going on In Euro 2012?

If you haven’t seen any of Euro 2012 so far, the time to start watching is now! Euro 2012 is a soccer tournament that only includes national teams from Europe. Now that the tournament has moved into the quarter-finals, there are only single-game eliminations.

Europe is regarded as having some of the best football in the world. With 8 phenomenal, national teams advancing closer to the final, there will surely be a lot of sensational football to watch.

Which Teams are Playing in the Quarter-Finals?

Spain: La Furia Roja has been very dominant during recent years. The team is well-equipped with some of the best football players in the world. Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, and Iker Casillas are just a few of many.
Next Match: vs. France (June 23rd)

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Barcelona and Football

When it comes to the world of sports, Barcelona and football are synonymous.  As of 2012 Barcelona has won 21 La Liga, 25 Copa del Rey, 10 Supercopa de Espana, 3 Copa Eva Durate, and 2 Copa de la Liga trophies. Football Club Barcelona or FCB have won 4 UEFA Champions League, a record 4 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, 4 UEFA Super Cup, and a record 2 FIFA Club World Cup trophies. They also won a record 3 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup trophies, considered the predecessor to the UEFA Cup-Europa League. This championship team lead by captain Carles Puyol is the onlyEuropean club to have played continental football every season since 1955, and one of the only three clubs to have never been relegated from La Liga, along with Athletic Bilbao, and Real Madrid. In 2009, Barcelona became the first club in Spain to win the Treble consisting of La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. That same year, it also became the first football club ever to win six out of six competitions in a single year, thus completing the sextuple,comprising the aforementioned treble and the Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA World Cup.

The Beginnings of Football in Barcelona

This world renowned football club got its remarkable start here in Barcelona at the Gimnasio Sole on November 29th, 1899. Joan Gamper placed an advertisement in the local newspaper asking if there were others in the area wanting to contribute the the founding of a new Barcelona football club. Gamper met Gualteri Wild, Lluís d’Ossó, Bartomeu Terrados, Otto Kunzle, Otto Maier, Enric Ducal, Pere Cabot, Carles Pujol, Josep Llobet, John Parsons and William Parsons. Eleven sportsmen gathered in order to found a football club. Gualteri Wild was appointed President. The new Barcelona football team played their first game March 14, 1909 against English ex-pats living in Barcelona. Barca lost 0-1.

Cathedral of Football (1900′s – 1956)

The new FCB won their first championship that same year, in the Catalan Championship. The team would continue to win the Catalan Championship in 1910,1911,1912,1915,1918,1919,1920,1921, and the Spanish Championship in 1909, 1911, 1912,1919, and 1921. With such amazing records and winning streaks for such a new football organization crowds began following the team. In order to accomodate the new fans Barca had a “Cathedral of Football” was constructed in May of 1922. The new Les Corts Stadium opened May 20th, 1922, with a capacity to hold 30,000 specators.

The club had an amazing beginning but the 1030’s had left some scars on the FCB. Founder Joan Gamper died July 30. 1930.  After this several club owners left, the team created a losing streak and the Civil War of 1936 pushed heavily on Catalan identity. In March of 1938 the Franco Regime bombed the Les Corts Stadium in an effort to destroy the symbolism that the FCB held for Catalonia.

The team saw a gradual recovery in the 1940’s as they began to once again win their battles. The FCB won the National League Titles in 1945, 1948, and 1949. In June of 1950 Ladislao Kubala arrived in Barcelona dramatically shifting the power and magic that the team already had. The Messi of the 1950’s, Kubala helped Barcelona win the Spanish League in 1951, 1952, and 1953. In 1952 Barca won the Five Cups: Spanish League, Spanish Cup, Latin Cup Eva Duarte and Martini Rossi trophies.

The Camp Nou Era Begins

With Kubala leading the dream team of Barcelona, the “Cathedral of Football” was no longer large enough to sustain the number of fans attending the games. in 1957 the new stadium, Camp Nou was erected. The new stadium had a capacity of 90,000 fans. It was during this time that Barca continued to win cups including the Spanish Leagues 1958-59 and 1959-60, and the Fairs’ Cups 1957-1958 and 1959-60, coached by Helenio Herrera with such excellent players as Kocsis, Czibor, Evaristo, Kubala, Eulogio Martínez, Suárez, Villaverde, Olivella, Gensana, Segarra, Gràcia, Vergés and Tejada. During this time the popular FCB phrase “more than a club” was born. FCB had been stamped as a part of Catalan identity.

In 1978, Josep Lluís Núñez became President of the FC Barcelona. The Club then began a considerable period of social and financial expansion. The increase in member numbers reached the 100,000 and many supporter’s clubs were founded. The FC Barcelona was becoming the sports most important entity in the world. Barça were also provided with emblematic sports facilities: the Camp Nou expansion, the building of the Miniestadi, the Palau Blaugrana, and so on. The FC Barcelona is currently a sports entity which includes basketball, handball, hockey, ice-hockey, figure skating, indoor football, rugby, baseball, volleyball and women’s football sections.

World Renowned Team

The FCB colors and symbol are recognized around the world as a leader in sports and as a successful club. People travel the globe to attend Barcelona football games. Barcelona has become a mecca to the football world and the jersey’s of Messi, Puyol, Alves, Valdes, Sanchez, Villa, Adriano, Keita, and Pinto. FCB helps give pride and definition to Barcelona as a city among cities.

Is Barca your favorite football team too? Let us know who your favorite players are and what you think the club does for Barcelona. Thanks for reading.

Cheers,

Brett

Want more about sports? Take it!

Sports shops in Barcelona

FCB and Camp Nou